Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai on Tuesday withdrew his fundamental rights enforcement suit against a magistrate in his N1 billion claim pending before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The withdrawal followed concerns by the trial judge, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, over the plaintiff’s failure to properly identify the magistrate as the second defendant. At the resumed hearing, El-Rufai’s counsel, Ugochukwu Nnakwu, informed the court that a motion filed on March 30 requested discontinuation of the case against the magistrate, urging the court to strike out both the magistrate’s name and a pending ex parte application for substituted service of court processes.

Counsel for the respondents, including the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Nigeria Police Force, and the Attorney-General of the Federation, did not oppose the application. Justice Abdulmalik struck out the magistrate’s name and the ex parte motion, while cautioning respondents against pre-empting proceedings. The court adjourned the matter to June 17 to allow the plaintiff to file amended processes.

El-Rufai had filed the suit (FHC/ABJ/CS/345/2026) challenging the legality of a February 19, 2026, search at his Asokoro residence, alleging violations of his rights to dignity, personal liberty, fair hearing, and privacy under the 1999 Constitution. He sought N1 billion in damages, a declaration that evidence obtained during the search is inadmissible, and an injunction restraining the respondents from using such materials.

The ICPC and police maintained that the search was executed pursuant to a valid court warrant following a petition against El-Rufai and conducted in the presence of his family. Both agencies urged the court to dismiss the suit, alleging attempts by the former governor to frustrate ongoing investigations.